Larimer
Child Care Fund
United Way of Larimer County (UWLC) prioritizes access to high-quality, affordable child care in our community. With the average cost of early care exceeding $1200 per child, per month, providing financial support to families with low to moderate incomes is essential to ensure a healthy workforce, that child care is affordable and high quality, and the youngest children are prepared for school and succeed academically.
This investment produces significant returns on both the economic and social health of our entire community.
United Way of Larimer County has partnered with the Early Childhood Council of Larimer County to integrate child care scholarships into the Larimer Child Care Connect platform in an effort to develop a one-stop-shop for families to access both child care providers and scholarships in Larimer County. The re-design of the fund and integration into the Larimer Child Care Connect platform has been created in partnership with providers, families, and funders. Below you will find information on the eligibility requirements and the application process.
About the Fund
The Larimer Child Care Fund helps low- and moderate-income families afford high quality care for their children at the licensed providers of their choice. The fund is structured to complement the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), by providing scholarships to CCCAP-ineligible families. This includes families who cannot access CCCAP due to income, mixed immigration status, or other factors. Recipients of the fund will not have to pay more than 15% of their income on child care for an entire year.
How to Apply
To inquire about the Larimer Child Care Fund waitlist, please reach out to lccf@ecclc.org.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is determined based on the following criteria:
- Parent/Guardian is seeking care for any child age 0-5 or who is not yet eligible to be enrolled in kindergarten
- Parent/guardian lives, works or is attending in-person school in Larimer County
- Child is enrolled or will be enrolled at a licensed provider located in Larimer County. Child must be enrolled in care or have an enrollment slot secured 30 days after they submit their application or will be put on the wait list.
- Family is not eligible for or currently receiving CCCAP benefits.
To determine if you may be eligible for CCCAP assistance, you can learn more here. If you think you may be eligble for CCCAP, you can find the application below and send your completed application to CCAP@co.larimer.co.us
English CCCAP Application
Spanish CCCAP Application
Income must be less than the amount listed in this table below based on household size:
Household Size | Monthly Household Income Must Be Less Than: |
2 | $5,709.58 |
3 | $7,053.01 |
4 | $8,396.44 |
5 | $9,739.87 |
6 | $11,083.30 |
7 | $11,335.20 |
8 | $11,587.09 |
9 | $11,838.98 |
Contact Info
To learn more, please reach out to the Larimer Child Care Fund administrator at LCCF@ECCLC.ORG.
“The generous support from United Way decreases the financial burden for our families, it reduces their stress and allows parents to pursue better income and educational opportunities while their children receive the best care and learn in a loving environment.”
– Gloria Kat,
Executive Director
The Family Center/La Familia
In February 2022, UNITED WAY OF LARIMER COUNTY DISTRIBUTED over $380,000 in scholarships for high-quality child care.
FAQs for Families
If I have questions about the fund, who should I reach out to?
Please reach out to the Larimer Child Care Fund team at LCCF@ECCLC.ORG.
What verification documents will I be required to submit?
You will be required to submit the following verification documents:
- Proof of address (A copy of rental agreement, proof of homeownership, or utility bill (with main address listed) such as your bill for gas, electric, water, or cable.)
- Proof of income:
- Employment income- two most recent pay stubs, tax document (such as W2 or 1040), or an employer letter indicating how often you work and how much you are paid. Income documents must show your total household net income. You will have to upload income documents for each person contributing to the household income. Your documents must equal your reported income on your application.
- If you receive benefits ie. SNAP, TANF, Child support- upload your award letter showing the amount you receive each month.
How are the funding decisions for this scholarship made?
Larimer Child Care Fund processes applications on a first come first serve basis. Your application will be processed quicker if your application is fully complete with correct documents submitted. Applicants will be notified of award status 2 weeks after the application close date.
How are the scholarship funds distributed?
Scholarship funds are distributed in arrears directly to the provider on behalf of the family every month for one year. Prior to payment, you will receive a provider verification form with a payment schedule showing the monthly award amount from the scholarship and the monthly parent co-pay amount for the entirety of the year.
How do I know that my provider will accept Larimer Child Care Funds?
You can find out if your provider accepts Larimer Child Care Funds by looking at their provider profile on https://www.larimerchildcare.org/welcome or by asking your provider directly.
Can I apply even if my child is not yet enrolled with a provider?
Yes, you are welcome to apply for the Larimer Child Care Fund even if you are not yet enrolled in care. Your child must be enrolled in care or have an enrollment slot secured 30 days after your application submission date or you will be put on the wait list.
If your provider has not heard of the fund, we encourage you to apply for it and an LCCF administrator will contact your provider with more details on the fund. Once your provider has signed an agreement with United Way of Larimer County they are considered a LCCF partner provider.
Are there any attendance requirements?
Yes, your child is required to attend at least 85% of their enrolled days to continue to receive LCCF scholarship funding.
Will I need to sign a contract?
You will be required to sign an agreement in order for us to distribute the funds to your provider of choice. Your chosen provider will also need to sign an agreement with us. These agreements are created by ECCLC and the Larimer Child Care Fund team will be able to assist families and providers with this step.
How does LCCF work for providers that have families with multiple children?
Families will be able to apply for and receive funding for multiple children, even if they are attending different providers.
How often do I have to re-apply for this funding?
The Larimer Child Care Fund is a 12-month funding program. After those 12 months, you will be able to reapply. The next cycle will open in May 2024.
Donate
Your donation to the Larimer County Child Care Fund is eligible for the Colorado Childcare Contribution Tax Credit (CCCTC). Donors are eligible for an additional tax benefit from the state of Colorado in which 50 percent of the contribution is deducted from taxable income.
Click here to learn more about the CCCTC.
“United Way funding is absolutely essential to Teaching Tree’s ability to provide our community’s low- and middle-income families with affordable, quality child care and education. With their young children enrolled in Teaching Tree’s exemplary early learning program, families were able to recover from COVID-related hardships and continue their efforts to become self-sufficient.”
– Anne Lance,
Executive Director
Teaching Tree Early Learning Center
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525 West Oak St, Ste 101
Fort Collins, CO 80521
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